McGinnis said he’s excited to jump into the world of politics after covering it for many years as a journalist, including eight years at the local ABC affiliate. He said he’s never run for public office before.

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He also said he’s searching for a solution to what has been one of the biggest issues in his district — paid parking along the shore in Myrtle Beach, which has angered many people in the Carolina Forest area.

“The city needs to listen to the people who live there, because [they] obviously moved here to be part of the Myrtle Beach community, even if they don’t live in the city limits,” McGinnis said.

McGinnis announced his run in a Facebook post on Thursday. He left WPDE six months ago and now operates a restaurant called the Famous Toastery in Carolina Forest at 2005 Oak Heart Rd.

McGinnis will run in the Republican primary for the seat, which is scheduled for Oct. 24. The filing period for the seat is open to candidates from Aug. 25 to Sept. 2.